Canine leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder affecting the white matter of the central nervous system. The disorder is characterized with myelin degradation in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. Affected dogs show symptoms of weakness, incoordination of voluntary movements (ataxia), abnormal (hypermetric) gait, dragging of paws and loss of conscious proprioception, the sense of body position and movement. Given that LEMP is a progressive disorder, the aforementioned symptoms worsen over time often resulting in immobility within a few months after onset. Average age of onset is between 1 and 4 years.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: NAPEPLD gene

Genetic test: The method used for genetic testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. DNA testing can be done at any age.

Disease control: read more

DNA test sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or buccal swabs. Detailed information about sampling can be found here.